Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week

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This week's cats of the week are bonded pair - Trixie and Patches. 

Trixie is a pretty lady who is quite shy at first, but is very loving once she trusts you. She gets on well with her foster siblings (the human ones and the cat ones) and loves a good play! Patches has settled in well in her foster home, is great with children and loves to play. Her favourite thing to do is carry around a straw in her mouth like a dog does with a stick!

If you would like to adopt Patches and Trixie or any of the other cats or kittens, phone 0487 193 244 to speak to a coordinator.

All cats have received their first vaccination, are micro-chipped, health checked and sterilised before going to their new homes. Trixie and Patches are available for $200 to the right home.

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

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This week's Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the week is Gambo.

Gambo is a one year old very small mixed breed. He looks like he could have some Chihuahua in him. He is a very sweet natured little dog who loves to cuddle.

He is learning basic obedience and to walk on a lead. He loves to play with toys and gets on well with other dogs. Gambo is house trained and does not chew on things he shouldn’t. He has a very short easy care coat and would benefit from a daily walk, however he will not require a large amount of exercise.

Geraldton Dog Rescue is a not for profit organization run solely by volunteers. All GDR dogs cost $350 and have been bathed and flea treated, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, micro-chipped and de-sexed.

If you would like to view a dog or become a volunteer please call 0400219719. Geraldton Dog Rescue can also be contacted via their website www.geraldtondogrescue.com.au or you can find them on Facebook.

Female kicks Police Officer in the face

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A female has been charged with a myriad of offences including common assault and obstructing a Public Officer.

A male and female attended an address in Spalding belonging to a female that was known to them and it is alleged that the male and female created a disturbance after they were requested to leave by the house occupant.

A short time later the female returned to the property, creating another argument. The female was asked to leave by the occupant which then led to a physical altercation between the two.

It is further alleged that the female threw a brick through the front window before fleeing the scene. 

Police responded to the incident during which the female returned to the address again. Police allege the female approached the front door of the house and kicked the front window causing minor damage. 

The female was arrested by Police and she immediately resisted and lashed out with her legs. Whilst police were attempting to secure the female in the police vehicle, she kicked a male officer once in the face causing bruising to his eye. 

She continued to be verbally abusive to Police and was conveyed to Geraldton Police Station where she was charged with the following:

  • 1 x Trespass
  • 1 x Common Assault
  • 1 x Criminal Damage
  • 1 x Obstruct Public Officer
  • 1 x Assault Public Officer
  • 1 x Disorderly Behaviour in a Public Place 

She faced Geraldton Magistrates Court this morning. 

21-year-olds charged with possession of prohibited weapons

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Two 21-year-old males from Mundaring have been charged with three counts of possessing a controlled weapon and one count of possessing a prohibited weapon. 

At around 9:30am on Monday September 29, Jurien Police responded to a request for assistance by Jurien Rangers at Wedge Island.

It is alleged that two males were walking through the sand dunes at Hangover Bay, dressed in camouflage and carrying compound bows, arrows and hunting knives. 

Police allege that the males were approached by the Rangers and then fled the area. A short time after, the two males were observed swimming in the ocean after they had hidden the weapons in the sand dunes. 

On Police arrival, a search of one of the male's car resulted in the seizure of a large range of hunting equipment.

Police we able to locate the outstanding weapons with the assistance of both males and the Jurien Rangers.

The two males will face Jurien Magistrates Court in November. 

End of an era for Hazard

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It might be the end of an era for Hazard but you don’t need to worry, the local shop isn’t going anywhere.

Current owners Nikki Stokes and Catherine Boys have owned the local clothing and shoe store for close to 16 years and they will be handing the shop over to a new owner today.

The pair purchased a small boutique in the Stirling Centre in February of 1999, which was then called ‘Urge’.

Now nearly 16 years on, 8 children between them, a store name change, a shop move, Nikki and Catherine say they are both ready for a change of pace.

Urge changed names to Hazard in June 1999 and in 2003 the shop moved across the arcade and as a result, Hazard had both a shoe store and a clothes store. 

If that wasn’t enough, Nikki and Catherine opened another store, Fiori, in the Northgate Shopping Centre in 2005.

And in 2012, Hazard move to the new big super store in the Stirling Centre.

They will keep ownership of Fiori but will have their last day at Hazard today.

The shop will be in the capable hands of current employee Renee Facchini.

The 19-year-old has worked for Hazard for over 2 years and is excited to take on the new role.

“I’m very excited but I’ve got very big shoes to fill,” Renee said.

 “Hazard is very well known here in Geraldton and I really want to continue its great reputation.” 

Renee will work along side long-term employees, 2 who have both worked there for over a decade.

Nikki and Catherine reflected on their time owning the store and thanked their supportive families.

Top 5 images shared with us this week

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With some crazy rain last weekend, Kerrin Rowe Media took this during a break in the weather near Walkaway.

Stunning colours in this photo taken of Greenough River by Courtney.

Corey Milentis captured a beautiful evening in Drummond Cove. 

Taniya Nanayakkara took this photo of the afternoon sky over the Geraldton Harbour. 

Leonie Patman took this photo at the Chapman River.

Please feel free to inbox us on Instagram or Facebook or e-mail your photos to geraldton@justeverything.com.au

Online survey for WA's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people

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Western Australia’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jenni Perkins, has today released an online survey for WA’s under 18 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. 

The online survey is part of Ms Perkins’ consultation with the State’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and she is seeking your support to ensure many have the opportunity to have a say.

“This consultation project aims to give WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people a voice on what is important to them, their hopes for the future and what they need to help them do well,” Ms Perkins said.

The survey is open to all WA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people under 18 and will be available at www.ccyp.wa.gov.au until 21 November 2014.

“In addition to the survey, I have appointed 16 community organisations from Kununurra to Albany to run consultations with local groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people,” Ms Perkins added.

“I received a strong field of expressions of interest to run these consultations and I appreciate the support of the community and non-government sector in this project.”

The survey and other consultations will be used to develop a report that outlines the views and ideas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, and gives recognition to the positive contributions they make to family and community life.

“I encourage you to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people’s participation in the survey and share details of this important project with your networks.”

Click here to take the survey. 

Life is ridiculous according to Hughesy

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Comedian Dave Hughes AKA Hughesy has no problem coming up with fresh material because, “everyday, life is ridiculous!” 

The well-known Australian comedian will bring his Pointless Tour to Geraldton next month and audiences are in for a treat.

“I never run out of new material because everyday life is funny,” he said.

“Like is ridiculous no matter what way you look at it.”

Known for his Aussie accent and laid back approach, Hughesy has been doing stand up for over 20 years and says he is in the form of his life.

“If you make the decision to rock up to the show it’s gonna be worth it,” he said.

“I’m doing stand up almost every night of the week so the audience is going to have a great time.”

Drawing from his everyday life for inspiration, Dave’s 3 young kids get dropped into his comedy acts a lot.

“I love making joke about my children, it helps me cope,” Hughesy said somewhat seriously.

“My kids think it’s all about them, honestly.

“It used to be different in my day. Back in the 70’s my parents would say that’s the way it is and there would be no further discussion, but now my kids are in charge.

“I don’t know how it has come to this but I’m not happy about it.”

Hughesy doesn’t like being ruled by his kids but it isn’t going to change.

“It takes so much to beat them. It’s easier to live under the fear of a dictator rather than try and have a revolution,” Hughesy said.

When asking Hughesy what makes for the best audience, he gave Geraldton some tips.

“The Geraldton audience needs to laugh at things that other audiences don’t laugh at,” he said.

“Me saying hello needs to be the funniest thing they’ve ever heard in their entire life.”

But Hughesy assures us there will be some ripper jokes throughout the show.

The 43-year-old started his career over 20 years ago in a pool hall in Northbridge.

Since then, Hughesy has co-hosted TV shows, worked in radio and been a regular at the Melbourne Comedy Festival.

“I realised I had made it during my third gig at the same pool hall in Perth,” Hughesy said.

“I got a massive laugh from the audience and no doubt after that I was addicted to comedy and I was never going to stop.

“I went from struggling to fill a 60 seater room to performing at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and that’s when I thought, I’m not gonna have to borrow money off mum and dad anymore.”

Hughesy said he also played a big role in starting the career of fellow Australian comedian Rove. 

“Rove started the week after I did at the same club and he says that I inspired him to get into comedy because he thought if that guy can do it, anyone can,” he said.

But all jokes aside, if that’s possible, Hughesy’s passion for making people laugh is amazing.

He even answered some of the questions that our Everything Geraldton readers asked him. Here’s the answers:

Courtney asked: Can he whistle through his front teeth?

Hughesy: No I can’t and I can’t whistle at all. Maybe there’s too many gaps and they’re not close enough together to create the certain velocity you need. I’m a whistleless person which is one of the greatest challenges of my life.

Roshelle asked: Best and worst part of being a father of three?

Hughesy: Best part of being a father of three is that you finally have something to die for. But the fact is often you’d be happy for that day to be today…

Charmaine asked: How did you start in comedy?

Hughesy: I started in WA, in Perth in a little club called the Laugh Resort, which was a pool hall in Northbridge. I had an inkling I was funny so I went for it and died in the ass on the first night.

Annette asked: Will he marry me!!! Lol OMG seriously can’t want to see his show.

Hughesy: Look I wont because I’m already married. But I appreciate the offer and she didn’t need to do the “lol”. That could have been a serious offer.

Hughesy will be at the Queens Park Theatre on Wednesday, October 8th. Visit the QPT website for tickets.

Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the Week

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This week's Mid West Cat Shelter Cat of the week is Keira.

She is available in September for $75 to the right home.

Keira is very affectionate, loves company and loves a good scratch behind the ears. She’s a very gentle girl who is good with young children, other cats and not too intimated by dogs. She would make a great family cat. Her passions in life are to catch the red laser dot and to sleep on the edge of your bed keeping your feet warm!

All of our cats have received their first vaccination, are micro-chipped, health checked and sterilised before going to their new homes.

If you would like to adopt Keira or any of the other cats or kittens, phone 0487 193 244 to speak to a co-ordinator.

A ten day explosion of art, culture and community

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From humble beginnings GFEST comes of age in 2014 with a 10 day celebration of arts, culture and community. Add a fabulous 60’s theme - what a ‘GAS’ (GFEST ARTS SPECTACULAR)! For the first time, from 3rd to 12th October, GFEST brings the gorgeous De Parel Speigeltent to Geraldton's Queens Park  as the hub of a program that promises something to delight and surprise just about everyone.

Jointly presented by GFEST, ACDC Community Arts and City of Greater-Geraldton, GAS features exhibitions, workshops, film, markets, world class performances and events for all ages.

Everyone will have the chance to experience the Speigeltent, with family friendly activities each day, and a diverse range of performances every evening. Across the City high quality art exhibitions will feature the cream of local and state artistic talent. 

The 10 day Spiegeltent program features:

  • Official VIP Mad Men style Cocktail Launch with Triple J Unearthed band Boom!Bap! Pow!
  • Gidget's Go Go Beach Bop – all ages 60s style family beach party with games and fun; alcohol & smoke free event.
  • Argentinian Tango and Ballroom Dance Night – featuring our twinkle toed and very talented MLC Paul Brown.
  • Two great comedy nights – with The Comedy Emporium – including a crazy Midnight Cowboys session where anything could happen.
  • Groove Lounge – featuring live jazz and blues bands – Blue Mercy and Hunter-Lloyd, plus dance performances.
  • Grrrowl Nightclub with local DJ powerhouse Bassway and a line up of DJs plus great light shows, sexy fire dancers and more;
  • our signature GFEST eXtravaganza cabaret night with Whisky A Go Go theme with Famous Sharron, Sideshow Superstars, burlesque, drag shows and bewitching circus acts.

Plus daily art, dance, poetry, yoga and circus workshops in the Speigeltent.

Festival Director Raina Savage said, "We can't wait to share this unique venue and program with the people of Geraldton."

"We have nurtured this vision for years, and now, with the huge support of the City of Greater-Geraldton, Lotterywest and our other sponsors, we are finally able to bring it to life."

AMAZING BELGIAN 'MIRROR TENT' LIGHTS UP QUEENS PARK GARDENS

For the first time Geraldton will experience the magic of a Speigeltent – one of the few remaining Belgian 'mirror tents' hand crafted in Europe during the elegant and glamorous art deco period last century. 

A perfectly round structure, with interior walls lined with brass and leather booths, stained glass windows, an elegant wood and brass bar, patterned dance floor, all contained under a jaunty circus tent roof. Speigeltents are a staple of major fringe festivals throughout Australia & overseas, and are passionately loved by cabaret, circus and vaudeville performers.

The Spiegeltent will be the venue for a 10 day program of arts performances, events and workshops – with something for everyone. 

RELAX AND CHILL IN THE LIGHT FILLED GO-GO GARDEN

The Speigeltent won’t be the only unique venue during the festival. Surrounding it, and continuing the Swinging 60s theme, the 'Go Go Garden' ]is an alfresco bar and dining area which patrons can enjoy throughout  the festival. Light sculptures, circus themed artworks, and giant projections on the surrounding greenery, will create an enchanting venue to enjoy craft beers and fine wines, and sample fresh, organic local food.

The Go Go Garden will have its own program of events – kicking off with GerMANIC Oktoberfest event – with DJ Victor spinning edgy Berlin beats from 2pm- 8pm on Saturday 4th October. There will be live music every evening and some special events including Midnight in the Garden on Wednesday 8th October, featuring fire dancers and aerial performers.

Ms Savage said, “There will be amazing things going on in the Spiegeltent every day – but you don’t have to go inside to enjoy the atmosphere. The Go Go Garden will be an ambient, relaxed and very cool place where people can just come and hang out and enjoy the beautiful Geraldton spring evenings.’

 THE FLAGSHIP EVENT - GFEST eXtravaganza

To cap off the festival, this year's signature GFEST eXtravaganza travels back to the Swinging 60s- to the famous Whisky A Go Go Nightclub on Sunset Strip.

Special guest stars this year include our fabulous MC – Famous Sharron – a real crowd pleaser; the incredible King of Swords – Aerial Manx; the Godfather of Modern Sideshow Shep Huntly ; go go goddesses Coco Poppin and Scarlet O'Harlot – from Sugar Bue Burlesque – and making their burlesque debut our very own House of Jezebelle dancers. There are sensational circus feats from Natural Wings Aerial dance and our own amazing PCYC Gidget Superstars and of course, no GFEST is complete without a raucously outrageous drag Show – with 60s Divas, beach bunnies and boots that were really made for walking! Dress to impress with beehives, miu mius, mop tops and stove-pipes.Ticket $50 or $60 at the door, available online www.gfest.com.au or at ACDC, 33 Marine Terrace Geraldton.

For THE FULL PROGRAM and tickets check out the website www.gfest.com.au.     

 

Geraldton Dog Rescue Dog of the Week

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Geraldton Dog Rescue's dog of the week this week is Raffa, a very sweet little Chihuahua mix. Raffa is approximately 1 year old, he uses the doggy door and is house trained.

Raffa gets along OK with cats and is good with other small dogs. He is not at all yappy but will let you know when someone is at the door. He is learning to walk on lead and is getting some basic obedience lessons while in foster care.

He is very good in a car and just curls up and goes to sleep so may be a good travelling companion. Raffa does not dig or chew things so would be great either indoors or out. He will be the perfect pet in any home.

Geraldton Dog Rescue is a not for profit organization run solely by volunteers. All GDR dogs cost $350 and have been bathed and flea treated, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, micro-chipped and de-sexed. If you would like to view a dog or become a volunteer please call 0400219719. Geraldton Dog Rescue can also be contacted via their website www.geraldtondogrescue.com.au or you can find them on Facebook.

Several drink drivers over the weekend

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Geraldton Police on Twitter: "Chapman Valley Road crash- crumpled mess in the trees used to be a Mazda ute! Alcohol suspected- don't drink + drive."

Several incidents of motor vehicle accidents involving suspected drunk drivers occurred over the weekend. 

A 35-year-old Hamilton Hill man had his bail refused and will face Geraldton Magistrates Court this morning charged with Driving under the Influence after his vehicle rolled on Chapmen Valley Road at about 11am on Saturday, September 20.

It will be alleged that the alcohol reading was 0.151% at the time of the accident. 

Also on Saturday, a 21-year-old Rangeway male was charged after he was stopped in Utakarra with a blood alcohol level in excess 0.08% and failing to give way at a stop sign. He will appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court later this month. 

GFEST eXtravaganza!

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Travel back to the Swinging 60s and the famous Whisky A Go Go Nightclub in the spectacular Spiegeltent! Dress to impress with beehives, minis, mop tops and stove-pipes.

MC Famous Sharron – introduces a stellar lineup:

  • King of Swords
  • Aerial Manx
  • Sideshow Superstar Shep Huntly
  • Coco Poppin
  • Scarlet O'Harlot of Sugar Bue Burlesque
  • And a raucously outrageous drag Show – 60s Divas with and boots that were made for walking!

Tickets $50 or $60 at the door, online www.gfest.com.au or ACDC, 33 Marine Terrace Geraldton.

Elizabeth Pedler to reside in Geraldton as part of artist program

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Artist Elizabeth Pedler will be in residence at Central Greenough from September 22 until October 20, 2014 as part of the City of Greater Geraldton’s Central Greenough Artist in Residence Program.

During her visit, Elizabeth will be creating a new body of work and inviting the community to engage with her and practice in a range of arts.

Based in Perth, Elizabeth’s artwork takes on many forms including new ways to generate participation and interaction in art spaces that use materials such as mirrors, light, sound, styrofoam beans and even conversation.

While in residence Elizabeth will be creating a series of artworks which respond to the sensory environment of the Central Greenough buildings to create subtle but affecting experiences for the audience. 

As she is yet unacquainted with Geraldton, Elizabeth will be inviting members of the local community to join her for a meal and to share stories about life in the area.

Elizabeth will be presenting an artist talk at ACDC Community Gallery as part of the Sunset Salon series, discussing her art practice and the processes of making art. 

There will be workshops open to all members of the public to collaborate on sensory perception and participation. More information on these workshops and the Sunset Salon series can be viewed on http://www.acdcarts.com, or contact ACDC. 

At the completion of the residency period, Elizabeth will be opening up a space at ACDC for an exhibition from October 17 – 19 at 12 - 6pm each day, Elizabeth will also be present during these times to answer questions about her new works.

On October 18 there is a potluck event open to all audiences to join the Elizabeth for a shared meal and celebration.

More details on these events can be seen on the Queens Park Theatre website: http://queensparktheatre.com.au/arts.

For more information about the artist, visit http://www.elizabethpedler.com.

Visiting "friend" assaults 70-year-old

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Police have alleged that a 70-year-old male was a victim of burglary and assault by a "friend" that was visiting him.

On September 17, it is alleged that a 41-year-old male from Utakarra was visiting the 70-year-old in Spalding when he pushed the 70-year-old to the ground and kicked him.

It will also be alleged that the male offender left and returned later, stealing the victim’s ATM card and using it to withdraw money. Further to that, the offender purchased drugs and supplied them to another person. 

The male has been charged with the following:

  • Aggravated Assault
  • Aggravated Burglary 
  • Stealing
  • Fraud
  • Supply Prohibited Drug

A court date is yet to be determined. 

 

Driver caught almost 3 times over the legal limit

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A 43-year-old woman from Meekatharra was caught driving nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit.

The woman was driving a Mitsubishi Magna on Chapman Road yesterday when she was stopped by police at around 10:15am.

Police allege that it was ascertained she had consumed alcohol.

She was taken to the Geraldton Police Station where she underwent a breath test with an alleged final reading of 0.123.

The woman will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on October 2 charged with exceeding 0.08.

Another dumped vehicle at Greenough

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Picture: Leah Gardiner

This ute has been abandoned since May. 

Another burnt out vehicle has been dumped at Greenough Beach.

Everything Geraldton user Leah sent in the above image and says the ute has been abandoned right in the middle of the sand tracks south of the Greenough River mouth.

In May of this year, two vehicles were also abandoned on the beach and one is still there - 4 months on. 

"We we walking and came across this ute still there after more than 4 months of being tosed around with the winter swells," Leah said. 

"Couldn't believe it was still there must admit it did look worse for wear though."

Top 5 images shared with us this week

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Michael Muller took this photo a week ago on a road near Nukara.

Jaclyn sent in this beautiful image showcasing Geraldton's lovely weather.

Regenerate Youth Group did a rubbish pick up on the Foreshore on Friday night. This image was sent in by a member of the group and gained several likes on Everything Geraldton's Facebook page. 

Lex Wilson took this stunning image.

Jas Saunders shared this with us on Instagram. Beautiful colours!

Post your pics in the Everything Geraldton app, the Everything Geraldton Facebook Page or email them to petak@justeverything.com.au. We’d love to share them.